Botafogo have reached an agreement to sign Argentina international midfielder Thiago Almada for the rest of the South American season, the Brazilian club's owner said on Tuesday.

American businessman John Textor explained that the Atlanta United forward would be tied to the Rio de Janeiro outfit for six months before joining French Ligue 1 outfit Lyon. Both Botafogo and Lyon are controlled by Eagle Football Holdings, in which Textor owns a majority stake.

Media reports said the deal was worth around 25 million U.S. dollars.

"We have recruited Almada at a time when big clubs in Spain and other places were interested in him," Textor said in a live video podcast.

He added that minor details needed to be finalized before the 23-year-old could travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Almada has made 17 Major League Soccer (MLS) appearances for Atlanta United this year, scoring six goals and providing an assist.

Capped four times for Argentina, he was a member of the Albiceleste squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Botafogo are currently third in Brazil's Serie A standings, a point behind leaders Flamengo. The two-time top-flight champions are also still alive in the Copa Libertadores, having reached the last 16 of the continental tournament for the first time since 2017.

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